New NH-06 project strengthens infrastructure across Meghalaya and Assam

By upgrading 166.8 km of NH-06, this project will boost traffic, enhance transportation, and promote economic growth in both states Meghalaya and Assam.

The plan to develop, maintain, and manage a 4-lane, greenfield, access-controlled, 166.80-kilometer stretch of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on hybrid annuity mode as an access-controlled greenfield high-speed corridor (at a total capital cost of ₹ 22,864 crore) has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which is chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The project spans 166.80 kilometres across Meghalaya (144.80 kilometres) and Assam (22.00 kilometres).

The service quality for traffic travelling from Guwahati to Silchar will be enhanced by the proposed Greenfield high-speed corridor. The development of this corridor will improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley region of Assam from the mainland and Guwahati, resulting in significantly shorter travel distances and times. As a result, the nation’s logistics efficiency will improve.

As it passes through Meghalaya’s cement and coal production areas, the corridor will improve connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya and stimulate economic development, including industry development. This corridor will serve national and international tourists travelling from the well-connected Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, and Silchar Airport (via the existing NH-06 connecting Guwahati and Silchar). This would connect scenic tourist attractions in the Northeast, promoting tourism.

This critical infrastructure project will improve inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar by passing through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and Cachar district in Assam, reducing congestion on the existing NH-06 and enhancing transport infrastructure development in accordance with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The project alignment connects major transportation corridors such as NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, providing seamless connectivity to Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain.

After completion, the Shillong-Silchar Corridor will play a critical role in regional economic growth by improving connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl, and Agartala. The project is consistent with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to improve infrastructure while also creating jobs and promoting socioeconomic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.